CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

Spring Break has come and gone, and we now have just seven weeks remaining in the school year. This time will move quickly, and we are fully in the final stretch.

This is a critical period for students to stay focused and maintain strong academic habits. We encourage all students to attend school consistently, stay current with assignments, and reach out to their teachers for support when needed so they can finish the year strong.

State testing is also right around the corner. Testing dates are listed below for your reference. In preparation, students will be bringing home goal setting sheets to help them reflect on their progress and set targets for success. We encourage families to review these with your student and support them in doing their best.

As we head toward the end of the year, expectations remain the same. Staying focused, respectful, and responsible will help ensure a positive and successful finish for all students.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

Hi Parents!

As a social/emotional counselor, I see every day how much students benefit when kindness and empathy are reinforced both at school and at home. Families play a powerful role in shaping how students treat one another. By having simple conversations about respect, empathy, and inclusion, parents can help students build the social skills that create a safer and more supportive school community.

You can support this effort by encouraging your child to pause and consider how their words and actions might affect others. Talk with them about standing up for classmates who may be left out, choosing kind language—both in person and online—and being mindful that everyone is dealing with challenges we may not see. Practice perspective-taking (“How would you feel if that happened to you?”). Another helpful step is modeling kindness at home. When students see adults treating others with patience, respect, and understanding, they learn that these behaviors matter. Celebrating acts of kindness—no matter how small—also reinforces the idea that being a good friend and community member is something to be proud of. Together, families and schools can help students grow into compassionate, responsible adults.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Dawn Allen, Counselor

Registration is now open for anyone interested in participating in our athletics programs this year! Here are the requirements for being cleared to participate in Christensen Middle School athletics:

1. Register for all sports that the athlete is planning on playing this year HERE.
2. All athletes planning on participating will need to have an updated physical. We require a signed physical by a doctor within the last 12 months. Here is a link to a physical form that can be used: LVJUSD Physical Form. Other forms signed by a doctor may be acceptable but must specifically clear athletes for participation in sports. Physical forms will only be accepted through Home Campus (link above).
3. CMS athletes must have received a 2.0 GPA on the previous trimester's final report card. Incoming 6th graders are not held to this requirement until an official grading period has been completed.

The tentative start dates for the athletic programs we offer are listed below. More specific information for each sport will be communicated through the morning announcements and this newsletter as each season approaches.

• Golf (Co-ed) - April/May
• Track and Field (Co-ed) - April/May

Please reach out to our Athletic Director, David Moore, at dmoore@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

Join us for a fun night of friendly competition at the Staff vs. Student Volleyball Showdown on Friday, April 17 from 6:00–8:00 PM in the CMS Gym. Students can form teams of six and compete for just $2 per player, and spectators can attend for a $2 entry fee. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase (cash only). All proceeds benefit the CMS AVID program, so come out to play, cheer on your classmates and teachers, and support a great cause.

To sign up a team, complete the form here: https://forms.gle/3Xs4Y9yu6A72uA2r6

Join LHS for a fun-filled afternoon at our Cowboy Carnival on Friday, April 17 from 3:15 to 6:30 PM! Families can enjoy carnival games, food trucks, inflatables, and plenty of activities for all ages. The event will be held at 600 Maple St in Livermore, and entry is just $5, with all proceeds supporting ASB Leadership.

We hope to see you there for a great afternoon of fun and community!

Explore the world of science, engineering, and technology at the 8th Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.

Hosted by Quest Science Center, this free, family-friendly event features interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences from local companies, schools, and innovators. All ages are welcome, and admission is free.

Come discover, explore, and be inspired!

Mark your calendars for an evening of incredible music at the Festival of Orchestras on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Granada High School. Our middle and high school orchestra students will showcase their hard work and talent.

This event is sponsored by LVEF, and all ticket proceeds support music education in our schools. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://livermorevalleyeducationfounda.thundertix.com/events/261128.

Our students will take the English Language Arts/literacy (ELA) and Mathematics CAlifornia Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests beginning May 5, 2026. Our eighth grade students will also take the Science assessment beginning April 27, 2026.

These online California Common Core State Standards based tests include both a multiple choice/short answer section, as well as a performance task.

The CMS testing schedule is as follows:

• April 27-May 1 – CAlifornia Science Test (CAST) in Science 8th Gr. Class
  
• May 4-8 – CAASPP English Language Arts (ELA) Test, All grades in Core Class
  
• May 11-15 – CAASPP Math Test, All Grades in Math Class
  
• May 18-22 – CAASPP Make Up Testing

For additional CAASPP information, please go to the LVJUSD website State Testing – CAASPP page. We encourage our students to do their best on these tests!

Grab your boots and join us for a fun night of line dancing at Stampede on Tuesday, April 28! Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the evening will include great food, dancing, and a chance to support the Christensen Middle School Library.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced, come out, learn some new moves, and enjoy a great community event. For reservations or questions, please contact Catherine Christian at (925) 864-5302.

There will be a virtual English Learners (ELAC) parents' meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 4/28.

Join us at this link: Google Meet, agenda to follow.

💃🕺 More info to follow!

Harlem Wizards vs. LVJUSD Teacher & Staff! LVEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Back-to-back nights, don't miss it!

Friday, 5/1 at 7 p.m. at LHS Gym, featuring teachers and staff players from Altamont Creek, Arroyo Seco, Croce, Jackson, Lawrence, Christensen, East, and Livermore High.
Buy your tickets for the Friday game

The first CMS School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 5 at 3:00 PM.

Join us at this link: Google Meet, agenda to follow...

The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting a free All Abilities Day designed especially for Special Education students and their families. This event focuses on creating an inclusive and accessible environment where individuals of all abilities can participate and enjoy hands on activities.

All Abilities Day will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Families are invited to attend and enjoy a welcoming day centered on connection, exploration, and fun.

Join us for Open House at Christensen Middle School on Thursday, May 14, 2026! We invite all students and families to come on campus, visit classrooms, and see the great learning happening across CMS. The evening will begin with a welcome for new and incoming 6th grade families in the gym from 5:45 to 6:00 PM, followed by classroom visits from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

This year the eighth grade trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will take place on Friday, May 15. In order to take part in this activity, students must have passing grades in all classes on their report card at the end of the second trimester, February 27, 2026. Students must continue to maintain passing grades during the third trimester to attend. Students who do not meet the participation guidelines will be restricted from attending the 8th Grade Field Trip.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom permission slips will go out at the start of Trimester 3. Permission slips and field trip emergency form and money are due no later than Friday, April 3. The cost is $100 for ticket and transportation or $50 for transportation only (for students with season passes). Permission slips are available and payments can be made via the 8th Grade Activities Information section of the CMS website.

Students attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom trip should report to their first period class at the usual time. Students enrolled in 0 period should attend 0 period. Buses will return to CMS at approximately 6 p.m. for parent pick-up. Students not attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Trip will receive an alternate schedule for the day.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom only accepts card payments at all locations including restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows, and parking toll booths. You can either pay for purchases using a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a debit card. Only have cash? You can convert your cash to a prepaid debit card at one of the multiple kiosks located throughout the park and anywhere in the U.S. where Visa is accepted.

Outside food and drink is not allowed in the park, so students will need to plan on purchasing lunch.

More information on their policies can be found on their website: https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/plan-your-visit/park-policies.

We have a traditional blue promotion gown ready for each of our 8th grade students to borrow for their promotion ceremony. Gowns will be distributed after school on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to allow families to have the weekend to use the gowns in photographs, etc. Gowns will be collected at the conclusion of the ceremony in yellow bins as students and families exit the quad.

All 8th graders are invited to attend the 8th Grade Promotion Dance on Friday, May 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In order to participate in this activity, students must have passing grades in all of their classes by Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Eighth grade students attending the dance must present their current CMS photo ID card at the door for admittance. Students who do not adhere to the District dress code will not be permitted to enter the dance.

There will be no school on Monday 5/25 in observance of Memorial Day.

The Promotion Ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, in the CMS Courtyard.

A blue promotion gown will be provided to each student to borrow for use during the ceremony. Gowns will be returned at the end of the evening.

In order to participate in this activity, students must have passing grades in all of their classes for the third trimester. We encourage our eighth graders to see this event as one for which they "dress for success." Jeans, flip flops, and hats are not appropriate for this event and are not permitted at the ceremony. Note that it is possible for students not to have the grades for the Six Flags trip but still be able to participate in the other two promotion-related activities.

Promoting students need to arrive in the gym no later than 5:30 p.m. on the night of promotion, May 28. All students are expected to be dress code appropriate (no gum, hats, strapless, spaghetti straps, halter-top dresses, sagging pants, etc.). In addition, all students must wear the royal blue Promotion Ceremony Gown. This is an important event and we want to ensure that all students are dressed appropriately.

There will be no reserved seating at the promotion ceremony. The gates will remain locked on the day of promotion until 5:15 p.m. We ask that all families respect the handicap seating areas and are considerate of others. We have limited seating with the chairs available. We also ask that families do not bring noisemakers (as they can create distractions), balloons (which can obstruct the view), or animals to the ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation.

We look forward to seeing you at the promotion ceremony. Please call the office at (925) 606-4702 if you have any questions.

Students may not bring their backpacks on the last day of school. All students will be released to go home at 12:25 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. We will not be releasing 8th graders early. If you need to sign your child out before 12:25, please remember those students who are promoting will be rehearsing until approximately 11 a.m. It is important that all students who are participating in promotion be at the rehearsal.

The Alameda County Fair will host a sensory friendly morning on Wednesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM, offering a quieter and more supportive fair experience for individuals who benefit from reduced noise and lighting. The event is designed for guests with autism, PTSD, or other sensory sensitivities and will include designated quiet zones and a calmer environment throughout the fairgrounds.

Guests attending the sensory morning are welcome to stay and enjoy the fair for the rest of the day as it transitions into the regular fair experience. Attractions available during the sensory morning include the Sensory Activation Vehicle, the Safeway Barn and animals, fair food, exhibits, shopping, and live entertainment. Sensory friendly rides with minimal music and visual effects will also be available.

Capacity for this event is limited and special tickets are required. Families can reserve tickets here:
https://q.me-qr.com/c9vzrmdx

Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners this week! These students were recognized for consistently demonstrating the CMS Core Values of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind.

Congratulations to:

• 6th grader - Aubrey West

• 7th grader - Ellen Shrestha

• 8th grader - Gemma DeMoraes

We are so proud of these students for setting a great example for their peers—way to go, Cougars!

Congratulations to our winners:

• 3rd Place: Axel Torgersen
• 2nd Place: Madison Casey
• 1st Place: Allison Limon-Villasenor

Great job to everyone who participated and showcased their creativity.

Our new STAFF SPOTLIGHT is Miss Mendez. She has been a paraeducator at CMS for the last 3 years. In her free time, you’ll likely find her cheering on her kids at their sporting events or baking something delicious in the kitchen. This should be no surprise, since her dream job outside of teaching would be to become a baker! When she’s out and about in Livermore, she loves exploring and trying new restaurants. If she could give her middle school self a piece of advice, it would be simple but powerful: it’s not the end of the world—just shake off the haters.

Join us at Oracle Park to watch the San Francisco Giants and support Christensen Middle School at the same time. For select Monday through Thursday games, families can purchase View Reserve or Bleacher seats for just $15 per ticket. Even better, $5 from every ticket sold goes directly back to CMS.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a game together while giving back to our school community.

🎟 Tickets are available at: https://www.gofevo.com/group/GiantsschoolfundraisingNG, use promo code: Christensen2026

You can also scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets

We hope to see lots of Cougar families at the ballpark. Go Giants and go Cougars! 🧡🖤

Looking for an easy, fun outing for the whole family? We’ve partnered with Lost Worlds Indoor Entertainment Center for a fundraiser that lets you play and support Christensen Middle School at the same time. 💥 20% OFF WEEKDAYS: Use code CMS20 and receive 20% off weekday activities, and Lost Worlds will give back to CMS.

It’s a great way to plan a family night, celebrate a birthday, or just burn some energy while giving back to our school.

• 📍 6538 Patterson Pass Road
• 🌐 Visit lostworlds.rocks
• 🎟 Enter code CMS20 on weekdays

Have fun while supporting CMS. Thank you for continuing to show up for our students in big and small ways!

We’re excited to share that the Girls Who Code Club is back at Christensen Middle School! In partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), this club offers students a fun and supportive environment to explore coding, collaborate with peers, and learn from LLNL mentors.

Meetings will take place every Tuesday after school from 2:45–4:00 PM in Room 404.

Although it’s called Girls Who Code, students of any gender are welcome to join. To participate, students must use their LVJUSD Google account to complete the interest form:

Girls Who Code Interest Form

We can’t wait to see our CMS coders back in action!

Axis Bridge, a program of Axis Community Health, is offering free rapid access to counseling, psychiatry, and connection to care for residents of Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton

Axis Bridge Flyer for community.

This community service provides short term counseling for individuals age 5 and up, as well as families, regardless of insurance status.

Services are designed to help prevent the escalation of symptoms and provide guidance in navigating the mental health system, including connections to longer term treatment when needed

Appointments are available via video, telephone, or in person.

Families can call (925) 568-2080, Monday through Thursday from 11am to 7pm, or Friday from 9am to 5pm to learn more or schedule support

Additional non urgent mental health services are also available through Axis Community Health.

Alameda County is looking for its next Youth Poet Laureate, and this could be an incredible opportunity for our students who enjoy writing, poetry, or spoken word. Applications open April 1 for teens ages 13–18 who live in Alameda County and are interested in using their voice to inspire others.

Selected students will have the chance to perform at public events, share their work with the community, and represent youth voices across the county. The program also includes exciting opportunities such as mentorship, community projects, and even a suite of Apple products for the selected Laureate.

Students interested in applying will need to submit original poems along with a short personal statement and supporting materials. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, build confidence, and make an impact through their writing.

For more information about the 2026 Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate competition, please visit https://aclibrary.org/youth-poet/.

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for students who enjoy problem solving and math.

The 2026 Dublin Math Puzzle Contest for Girls, hosted by Project Noether, is a fun asynchronous competition where participants complete a packet of math problems over a two week period.

Details:

• Open to girls in grades 1 through 6
• Dates: April 18 through May 2, 2026
• Format: Complete a packet of math problems independently
• Cost: Free to participate

This is a great chance for students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and have fun with math.

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfl7W81FRI-X1OouRFxXphxoZoXyGns18_AIFCpIdjArXLgHQ/viewform

Several of our current PTA board members are reaching the end of their terms, and we are looking for parents and guardians who may be interested in stepping into leadership roles. Most positions involve a relatively low time commitment and offer a great way to support our school community.

Two Critical positions are: PTA Secretary and Treasurer. These positions are required for the PTA to operate next year. We have a wonderful team and can provide training to ease your transition into one of the positions.

If you are interested in getting a little more details about what is involved, or if you know someone who would be a great fit, please complete the interest and nomination form below. You are welcome to nominate someone else, and we will follow up with them to share more about the role.

PTA 2026–27 Interest and Nomination Form:
https://forms.gle/kZiHN8F4g3uaDXXa7

Thank you for considering supporting CMS and our students through the PTA.

The Reflections program the CMS PTA has been running for the six years. It's a great program that supports the fine arts at CMS. The theme for next year is I Belong and CMS usually starts collecting entries in early November. We can't continue CMS PTA Reflections without your help. The chairperson's job is more behind the scenes and so appreciated. It's also a great way to be more involved in your child's school. If interested, please email cmscougarspta@gmail.com or abauman@lvjusd.org. The current CMS Reflections chair is happy to get you started, but has an exciting 8th grader and cannot continue being a CMS chairperson.

We encourage parents, guardians, school staff and community members to join the CMS PTA. Please go to the Join Andrew Christensen PTA website (https://jointotem.com/ca/livermore/andrew-christensen-pta/join/register).

Show your support for our students by joining the CMS PTA. Our mission is to provide a positive middle school experience for every student and we are committed to putting students first. Members are not required to attend any meetings, but are encouraged to. Only PTA members can vote at the general meetings.

We appreciate your support.

Show your school spirit with new CMS spirit wear while helping raise money for the CMS PTA. Order at www.1stplacespiritwear.com

😎

Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/Domain/101
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702